By Ann Mort
IT’S NOT JUST HOT AIR
There will be 40+ hot air balloons flying around at the MidUSA Ohio Challenge festival but there is much, much more to do on the ground and in the air.
In the air there will be the usual tethered hot air balloon “rides” as well as, for the first time, full balloon ride experiences available to the public. In the past, no paid rides could be given in conjunction with the competitive event.
Helicopter rides and tandem skydives will also be available to guests at the Challenge. Guests can even walk through a cold-air-inflated hot air balloon and enjoy hot air ballooning from the inside out.
Team Fastrax will, as usual, present their breath-taking skydiving jumps into the landing zone inside the festival.
This, the 10th anniversary of the MidUSA Ohio Challenge, will include not only the very popular evening balloon glows but a Laser Light show on both Friday and Saturday nights and a Fireworks show by Selection.com on Friday evening.
A 3 on 3 Ashkicker basketball tournament will be held at the Jets Hangar at Middletown Regional Airport in conjunction with the Challenge as will the annual Wendy’s Classic Car Show inside the park.
Friday evening the Skallywags will play classic rock and contemporary country music on the outdoor stage. Circus Aerial Acrobatics, Arts & Crafts, Murray Brothers Carnival rides and a wide variety of festival foods will round out the experience during festival hours.
On Saturday morning, the annual pancake breakfast will be served by the Middletown Christian Schools Foundation and their National Honor Society.
The MidUSA Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival will be at Smith Park in downtown Middletown on Friday and Saturday evenings, July 13 & 14 from 4 to 10:30 pm. Parking will be available with shuttle service via the airport entrance at 1800 Germantown Road, Middletown. Admission is $10 per carload which includes parking, shuttle and admission for all occupants. Walk-in admission is $4 per adult. Children 12 and under are free with adult.
On Saturday and Sunday mornings July 14 & 15 from 7 to 11 am, balloon competitors will fly into the field with balloon tether and full rides available from the field. Morning admission is free. The event ends after the morning flight on Sunday.
For full information: info@ohiochallenge.com, www.midusaohiochallenge.com, or 513-705-1770.
